Qld: Ship owners say they're sorry

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2010
Qld: Ship owners say they're sorry

The owners of a Chinese coal carrier that crashed into a protected part of the Great
Barrier Reef say the ship didn't stick to a planned route.

The Chinese-registered Shen Neng One has been stuck on Douglas Shoal off the central
Queensland coast for almost a week.

HU WEI from Shenzhen Energy Transport Company says the vessel didn't alter course to
the east to go through the passage as planned.

He's apologised for the incident and has vowed to work closely with investigators and
maritime authorities.

Mr WEI says the company's insurers have appointed international salvors Svitzer Salvage
to remove the ship.

The matter has been referred to the Australian Federal Police which is yet to decide
whether it will launch a criminal investigation.

Salvage crews are set to begin pumping heavy oil from the grounded coal carrier.

AAP RTV peb/sw/

KEYWORD: CARRIER (BRISBANE)

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